You don't have to, but I am currently writing an article on this and the benefits of a 'birth plan', which I am working really hard to help facilitate the word change to 'birth preferences' or 'birth intentions' - much more flexible!
I think there are many benefits - it presents a great opportunity to discuss with your partner what you want him to advocate for you, it presents you an opportunity to think what you would like in certain situations, if you have specific preferences that you want to aim for, a midwife who reads it should help you as best possible to acheive that - or if you hire a doula she can read it and help you work towards that... so many reasons that it can be useful, but like I said, they are not essential, something you can do and be of benefit if you have a goal you'd like to aim for or if you want to be specific about something you do or don't want to happen during labour and birth.
Birth Plans - Are They Worth It?
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